In 1941, clearing began on what would be called Cunningham Field, named for the Marine Corps' first aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Alfred A. Cunningham, for the control of drainage and malarial contamination. The field would later be redesignated Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for its post office situated among the cherry trees.

During World War II, Cherry Point trained Marines and units to be sent overseas, and maintained anti-submarine operations. It is said that 2 German U-boats were sunk just off North Carolina's coast in 1943 by Marine and Navy squadrons from Cherry Point. The Korean War called for as many replacements as could be sent, and Cherry Point trained and sent aviators and crewmen. Again during the Vietnam War, Cherry Point sent 3 A-6 Intruder squadrons as replacement personnel.

Operation Desert Storm's outcome was influenced in a very important way by the amount of reinforcement sent by Cherry Point including 3 AV-8B Harrier, 2 A-6E Intruder, 1 KC-130 Hercules, 1 EA-6B Prowler, and detachments from Marine Aircraft Group 14 and 32, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

With over 29,000 acres, Cherry Point boasts a big enough runway to be an alternative landing point for the Space Shuttle out of Cape Canaveral and some of the best weather in the country for a jet field. It is also home to the Marine Transport Squadron I, affectionately known as "Pedro", which offers its search and rescue unit for military and civilian use.

Cherry Point has been awarded the Commander-in-Chief's Installation Award for its community outreach and quality of life initiatives 7 times in 15 years.